If you’re in the United States and paying any attention at all, you know the economy’s in deep trouble. With a huge bailout coming and people losing their jobs, I can’t help but think of how this may impact people’s interest in the environment.

Some of the negatives for people’s income has encouraged being kinder to the environment, of course. People have cut back on driving because gas costs so much. I’m talking to more people who want to garden and preserve food.

It’s a pretty interesting shift.

But it’s also quite reasonable that if you’re facing the loss of your home, you aren’t going to be so worried about the impact of other things you do. Keeping a roof over your head is rather important.

I think of this as a good time to focus on the ways that going green can save money. Some tactics are long term, and may not go over so well right now, but anything that will save you money and be better for the environment is a pretty good deal right now.

So keep on making those homemade cleansers. Make the switch as each incandescent bulb burns out to compact fluorescent; check to see if the electric company in your area offers discounts or free ones. Garden, even if it’s just herbs in the kitchen window.